Recent political developments in the Republic of Korea (RoK) have not affected the daily life of the Vietnamese community here, the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK confirmed on December 5.

The embassy said that right after information on these developments emerged, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the embassy to closely monitor the situation, immediately contact local authorities and Vietnamese associations in the Rok to comprehend the status of Vietnamese nationals living, working and studying in the country.

The embassy has advised the Vietnamese community to comply with local regulations, avoid large gatherings, and maintain contact with the embassy.

So far, the Vietnamese community in the RoK has continued to live, work, and study as usual. The Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK said that it continues to closely monitor the situation and is ready to take necessary measures to protect the citizens.

Earlier on December 4, the RoK’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement to diplomatic missions in Seoul, acknowledging concerns raised by other countries about recent events in the RoK, but assuring that the country’s democratic processes and public order remain intact./.

Japan is Vietnam’s important and long-term partner, says top legislator

Japan is one of Vietnam’s most important and long-term partners, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man told Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during their meeting in Tokyo on December 5.

Man, who is on an official visit to Japan, voiced Vietnam’s support for Japan’s active role in contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and globally.

He shared recent legislative achievements, noting that the recent National Assembly session had passed significant laws aimed at improving the legal framework for investment and business activities. These efforts aim to enhance the investment environment, enabling foreign enterprises, including Japanese businesses, to increase stable and long-term investments in Vietnam.

Calling for Japan’s continued support in Vietnam’s industrialization and modernization efforts, he urged Japan to expand investments in key areas where it has strengths, including infrastructure, clean energy, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, green transformation, digital transformation, data centers, and semiconductor technology. He also encouraged Japan to assist Vietnam in engaging in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Man thanked Japan for providing ODA for Vietnam over the years, and requested that it promptly deploy new-generation ODA projects in Vietnam soon.

Ishiba for his part welcomed Man’s visit and noted the strong ties and close connections between the two countries’ high-ranking leaders. Reflecting on his visit to Vietnam 35 years ago, he expressed confidence in Vietnam’s continued development, predicting it would soon become a leading economy in Asia.

Both sides agreed to strengthen human resource development by promoting labour cooperation, training high-quality personnel, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. They discussed increasing the number of Vietnamese workers in Japan to address Japan’s aging population.

The two sides also committed to improving conditions for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in Japan, contributing to its development while fostering closer ties between the two countries.

On this occasion, Man extended an invitation from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Ishiba to visit Vietnam soon.

Top legislator Tran Thanh Man’s visit grans Japanese headlines

The meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man in Tokyo on December 5 has grabbed the Japanese headlines.

Japan’s public broadcaster NHK aired in-depth coverage of the meeting on both radio and television channels in their evening news bulletin - the prime time for news and current affairs in Japan.

During the meeting, it said Ishiba recalled his previous meetings with Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at multilateral forums, emphasizing the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through mutual understanding between the leaders of the two countries.

Meanwhile, Man affirmed his desire to cooperate with Ishiba to deepen the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.

NHK reported that the two leaders agreed to promote cooperation in the fields of economics, security, people-to-people exchanges, as well as to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and local connections between the two countries.

In addition, the Jiji Press news agency, Japan’s second-largest news agency, also widely reported on this important event, highlighting the agreements made during the meeting between Man and Ishiba to enhance cooperation in economics, security, people-to-people exchanges, parliamentary relations, and local cooperation between the two countries.

Many other Japanese newspapers also published similar stories, emphasizing that this meeting would contribute to the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two nations in the future.

In particular, official websites of various Japanese agencies, such as the Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also reported on the meeting, highlighting the important agreements reached between the two leaders.

Senior Party officials of Vietnam, Laos hold talks
 
Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu held talks with Politburo member, Permanent member of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Secretariat and State Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany in Hanoi on November 4.
      
Tu, who is also Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Inspection Commission, affirmed that the trip has contributed to consolidating and further deepening the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Bounthong congratulated the Vietnamese people on their significant and historic achievements during the renewal process, believing that under the CPV's leadership, they would accomplish the goals set in the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution, aiming to build a strong country with wealthy people, and democracy, fairness and civilisation.

He also thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their great, timely and effective support to their Lao counterparts over the past years.

Bounthong informed Tu about Laos’s recent achievements, especially in the implementation of the 11th National Party Congress’s Resolution, its roles as ASEAN Chair and Chair of the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 45) in 2024.

The Lao Party, State and people will do their best to lift the special solidarity with Vietnam to a new height, for the benefit of their people and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world, he said.

Tu, for his part, believed that under the LPRP's leadership, the Lao people would continue to achieve greater successes in the renewal process, building a peaceful, stable, democratic, united and prosperous nation in accordance with the socialist goal.

Vietnam always treasures and gives top priority to its relationship with Laos, and in any circumstances, will continue to work closely with Laos to preserve, protect and nurture the bilateral special solidarity, he said.

Both sides agreed to effectively realise the high-level Vietnam-Laos agreement and continue enhancing cooperation in key areas such as politics, diplomacy, defence-security, and socio-economic development. They were also committed to sharing theoretical knowledge and experiences in the Party building work.

The same day, Politburo member, Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Chairman of the CPV Central Committee's Organisation Commission Le Minh Hung held a working session with the Lao official to share Party building experiences.

NVIDIA supports AI cooperation with Vietnam, says Jensen Huang

NVIDIA chairman Jensen Huang has voiced his support for artificial intelligence (AI) cooperation with Vietnam, saying Vietnam’s strong encouragement and support for this industry will serve as a major catalyst for building a robust AI ecosystem in the country.

Meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on December 5, Huang affirmed that the tech world is restarting due to artificial intelligence, which presents a tremendous opportunity and a critical moment for Vietnam.

The AI industry is undergoing profound changes, driving the development of new industries, services, products, and businesses, as well as fostering growth, said Huang.

In his views, AI is a transformative technology that is reshaping data across all nations. Data must be regarded as a national resource, and Vietnam needs to manage its own data, turning it into Vietnamese AI for the benefit of its industries and society.

Huang highly valued Vietnam’s strong resources and believed that education is the foundation for the future of AI in the country. He also said the ongoing cooperation efforts between NVIDIA and Vietnam are helping to build a strong AI future for Vietnam.

Chinh for his part warmly welcomed the NVIDIA CEO for his second visit to Vietnam, congratulating him on receiving the VinFuture Prize, which honors individuals and scientists with significant contributions to humanity.

He thanked NVIDIA for its support, consultation, and effective cooperation with Vietnam, and emphasized that the newly signed cooperation agreement between NVIDIA and the Vietnamese government, just over a year after the PM’s visit to NVIDIA in the United States, is a significant milestone. He also noted that the signing of the agreement reflects Jensen Huang’s strong commitment to making Vietnam NVIDIA’s second home.

In the coming time, the PM suggested that both sides cooperate in researching and developing AI to create a new workforce based on Vietnamese AI with NVIDIA assistance. He expected that NVIDIA would continue to help Vietnam develop this industry in line with global trends, as well as Vietnam’s conditions, culture, and history.

Cooperation should focus on developing AI infrastructure, training human resources to maximize the intelligence and capabilities of the Vietnamese people, with the view that people are the center, subject, goal, resource, and driving force for development, he said.

In addition, he said there should be AI cooperation to explore underground, marine, and outer space, and to encourage the entrepreneurial and innovation movement, especially inspiring the younger generation, and developing technologies that fully tap into Vietnam’s potential through AI.

The PM proposed that NVIDIA continue to closely cooperate with the National Innovation Center of Vietnam, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, along with leading technology companies and top technical universities in Vietnam.

The government of Vietnam is committed to creating the most favourable conditions for the effective implementation of the cooperation between the two sides, bringing tangible benefits to both parties, he told his guest.

Earlier, in the presence of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, the Government of Vietnam and NVIDIA signed a cooperation document to establish Vietnam Research and Development Center (VRDC) for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and an AI Data Center in Vietnam.

Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son to visit China

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son will visit China and co-chair the 16th meeting of the Vietnam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation in Beijing from December 8 to 11, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This visit comes as Vietnam-China relations have seen significant and comprehensive positive developments. Notably, the two countries agreed to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future of strategic significance in December 2023.

Bilateral political and diplomatic relations have been strengthened through regular high-level exchanges and interactions across various levels. Two-way trade between the two countries has grown vigorously in recent times, reaching US$168.5 billion in the first 10 months of 2024, a year-on-year increase of over 21%. China is Vietnam’s second largest foreign investor.

Tourism has also seen strong recovery, with three million Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam this year, making China the second largest source of international visitors to the country.

During his visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will co-chair the plenary session of the Vietnam-China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation. They will discuss major measures to further strengthen ties, promote cooperation among ministries, sectors, and localities, and prepare for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Vietnam-China Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.

The Deputy Prime Minister will also engage in several other significant activities in China.

Vietnam, China exchange experience in Party building, national development

A delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang, Chairman of the Central Theory Council and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), is paying a visit to China.

During the trip, from December 4-8, they will also attend the 19th theoretical workshop between the CPV and the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In Beijing, Thang met with Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), during which he conveyed regards from Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and other high-ranking leaders of Vietnam to Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and other Chinese leaders.

Thang congratulated China on its significant achievements over 75 years of national construction and development, especially after the 20th National Party Congress. He highlighted the neighbouring country’s theory advances encapsulated in Xi Jinping's Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era.

Vietnam attaches importance and gives top priority to strengthening its comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China and accelerating the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, the official affirmed, briefing the host on Vietnam’s achievements as well as breakthrough tasks it has outlined to develop rapidly and sustainably in the new era of the nation’s rise.

For his part, Wang conveyed Party General Secretary and President Xi’s greetings to Party General Secretary Lam, President Cuong, and other high-ranking leaders of Vietnam, noting his belief that under the leadership of the CPV, led by Lam, Vietnam will fruitfully implement the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and successfully organise the 14th congress.

He emphasised that Thang’s visit and the 19th theoretical workshop will contribute to concretising the common perceptions reached by the two Party chiefs, and that the Chinese State and Party always consider the relationship with Vietnam a priority in China’s neighborhood diplomacy and stand ready to work together with their Vietnamese counterparts to promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Both sides acknowledged progress in the relations between the two Parties and countries, particularly following Lam’s recent visit to China. They agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges, enhance political trust, and step up experience sharing in Party-building and national management and development.

Efforts will also focus on improving the efficiency of key cooperation mechanisms between the two Parties and countries, as well as between the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the CPPCC, and organising the 2025 Vietnam-China Year of Humanistic Exchange on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties.

The two sides pledged to join hands to maintain peace and stability at sea, and better manage and handle disagreements in line with high-level common perceptions and international law.

On this occasion, Thang had a working session with Xie Chuntao, member of the CPC Central Committee and Standing Vice President of the CPC’s Central Party School, during which they touched upon cooperation between the HCMA and the Chinese school.

Goalie Dang Van Lam eliminated from Vietnam’s team roster for 2024 ASEAN Cup

Head coach Kim Sang-sik surprisingly removed seven names, including experienced goalkeeper Dang Van Lam, from Vietnam’s team roster in the lead up to the coming 2024 ASEAN Cup.

It’s regrettable that Lam will not be able to timely recover from injuries to play for the team, said sources.

Other names crossed out were midfielders Phan Van Duc, Nguyen Van Truong, Tran Bao Toan and Nguyen Thai Son, and strikers Nguyen Dinh Bac and Nguyen Quoc Viet.

Three players from Nam Dinh FC - defender Nguyen Van Vi and strikers Nguyen Xuan Son and Nguyen Van Toan – are scheduled to join the national team after fulfilling their club duties in the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25.

Notably, striker Nguyen Xuan Son has garnered significant attention from Southeast Asian media ahead of the tournament. He played a pivotal role in Nam Dịnh’s V-League championship last season, emerging as the league's top scorer with 31 goals, setting a new record for the most goals in a V-League season.

On December 6, the Vietnamese national team will depart for Laos to prepare for their opening match in Group B of the 2024 ASEAN Cup. The match between Laos and Vietnam is scheduled to take place at the Laos National Stadium at 8 PM on December 9.

Vietnam have been drawn in Group B and they will have two home matches against Indonesia on December 15 and Myanmar on December 21, both taking place at 8 p.m. at the Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho province.

During the 2022 edition, Vietnam finished as the runners-up after losing to Thailand in the final.

TasteAtlas picks out four Vietnamese dishes among Top 89 SEA’s stews

Four Vietnamese dishes have been listed among the Top 89 Southeast Asian stews by prestigious international food website TasteAtlas.

Ninth position went to Vietnamese beef stew (bò kho) which can be consumed on its own or accompanied by a baguette on the side. It can also be served over noodles, whilst it is customary to serve a variety fresh herbs on the side, the website wrote.

Vietnamese chicken curry (cà ri gà) was placed in 22nd position. The dish is fairly easy to prepare and it makes use of various ingredients such as chicken pieces; potatoes; carrots; onions; garlic; coconut milk; chicken broth; herbs; and flavorings such as lemongrass, fish sauce, bay leaves, and curry powder.

Moving down the list, in 58th position was Vietnamese Offal Stew (Phá lấu). The traditional dish originating from Ho Chi Minh City is made with offal - either pork, chicken, duck, or cow - which is then marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, pepper, salt, sugar, white wine, cinnamon, star anise, and five-spice powder.

Thắng cố, a traditional Vietnamese dish originating from Sa Pa in the northwestern region, came in at 87th.

The name of this stew means big pot of water. It's made using a combination of meat, bones, offal of horses (most common), cows, pigs, or buffalos, then chopped into small pieces, the website recommended.

TasteAtlas is an encyclopedia of flavours, a world atlas showcasing traditional dishes, local ingredients, and authentic restaurants. The website has cataloged over 10,000 foods and drinks from across the world, with dozens of thousands yet to be researched and mapped.

Defence cooperation forms pillar of Vietnam-UK strategic partnership

Defence cooperation has become a key pillar of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership, said Vietnamese Ambassador Do Minh Hung at a ceremony in London on December 4 to celebrate the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and the 35 years of the All-People Defence Festival.

In his remarks, Hung said Vietnam’s defence is of the people, by the people, for the people, with peaceful, independent, self-reliant, self-defensive characteristics and proactivity in preventing and addressing the risks of war.

The ambassador affirmed the country consistently adheres to its “Four No’s” policy – not participating in military alliances, not affiliating with one country to oppose another, not allowing foreign countries to establish military bases or use Vietnamese territory to oppose other countries, and not using force or threatening to use force in international relations.

He stressed that defence diplomacy has become an important channel for building and strengthening strategic trust between Vietnam and its partners while expanding the nation’s friendship relations with the international community.

On Vietnam-UK defence cooperation, Hung pointed out bilateral achievements in areas such as peacekeeping, military medicine, disaster relief, maritime security, and defence industry collaboration for the benefits of both nations, for regional peace and security, and the settlement of global challenges.

Next year, the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership will offer an opportunity to deepen the bilateral ties, including in defence, he noted.

Colonel Vu Vinh Ha, Vietnam's Defence Attaché to the UK, also addressed the gathering, expressing his honour to serve during a period of flourishing relations between the two nations and their defence ministries. The officer pledged to strengthen his office’s role as an advisory body and communication channel, facilitating bilateral cooperation opportunities and further enriching the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership.

At the ceremony, attendees were introduced to the VPA’s history, development, and achievements through a video presentation and enjoyed distinctive Vietnamese dishes.

Vietnam expects RoK to soon stabilise situation, says Foreign Ministry spokesper

Vietnam is closely monitoring the current development in the Republic of Korea, and believes that the RoK will soon stabilize the situation and continue to develop robustly in the near future, said Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hang was speaking at a regular press briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to reporters’ question regarding the political crisis happening in the country.

She cited a report by the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul, saying recent developments in the RoK have not affected the daily lives of the Vietnamese community there.

Upon receiving news about the current situation in the RoK, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed the Vietnamese Embassy to closely monitor the developments, immediately contact local authorities and Vietnamese associations locally, and gather information about Vietnamese citizens living, working, and studying in the country, said the spokesperson.

The embassy has promptly coordinated with key members of the Vietnamese community and advised citizens to adhere to local regulations and guidelines, avoid large gatherings, and maintain contact with the Vietnamese Embassy.

According to sources, Vietnamese expatriates in the RoK continue to live, work, and study as usual.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK, will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement necessary measures to safeguard the citizens, said Hang.

Vietnam, India hold third deputy ministerial-level security dialogue
 
The third Vietnam-India security dialogue at deputy ministerial level took place in Hanoi on December 5, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung and Indian Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor.

In his opening speech, Tung said since upgrading their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016, the two countries have reaped positive outcomes across the aspects of politics-diplomacy, security-defence, culture, society, and people-to-people exchange.

During the dialogue, the two sides discussed 10 carefully selected topics. They reviewed the progress of cooperation since the second dialogue, particularly in specialised fields, and shared information and analysis on emerging security challenges. Notably, the dialogue focused on the application of science and technology in ensuring national security and anti-transnational crime efforts.

Both sides said they are committed to teaming up to effectively translate their cooperation orientations into practical actions, aiming to safeguard national security and maintain order in each country, thereby strengthening the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in the new period.

Party leader To Lam requests thorough preparations for Nuclear Power Plant project

Party General Secretary To Lam has asked Ninh Thuan province to prepare necessary conditions, alongside the Government, ministries, agencies and localities, for restarting the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant project to feed Vietnam’s growing economy and diversify the country’s energy sources.

Meeting with the leadership of Ninh Thuan during a field trip on December 5, To Lam emphasized that the National Assembly recently decided to continue with the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant project after an 8-year suspension.

The decision presents a significant opportunity for Vietnam to develop a highly skilled workforce, enhance the country’s scientific and technological capabilities, and participate in the global nuclear power supply chain, said the Party leader, adding it enables Vietnam to learn and eventually master nuclear technology on the world stage.

The Party and the State fully support the continuation of the nuclear power project, recognizing it as the core of the country’s energy strategy for the future, he said

The General Secretary also highlighted that local residents of Ninh Thuan and surrounding areas, who contribute land and resources to develop this national energy project, will benefit from the fruits of this development. He assured that the Party and State would select the best nuclear technologies, the most reputable consulting partners, and the most qualified personnel to ensure the safety and efficiency of the project.

The focus is not only on the current generation but also on future generations, he emphasized.

Also at the meeting, the Party General Secretary asked the province to invest in fundamental infrastructure to support human development, such as education, health care, and cultural-social facilities, as well as public infrastructure like parks and green spaces. He also stressed the importance of closely integrating economic development with ensuring national defense and security.

Vietnam has been focusing on reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the share of clean energy in its energy mix. Restarting the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant would help achieve energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet future energy needs, especially as the country undergoes rapid industrialization and urbanization.

The decision also aligns with Vietnam’s long-term energy strategy, which includes nuclear energy as part of a balanced approach alongside renewable sources like solar and wind power. However, preparing the necessary conditions would involve addressing safety concerns, environmental impact assessments, and ensuring that technological advancements and international standards in nuclear energy are met.

These preparations are vital for restarting the project after it was suspended in 2016 due to economic and safety concerns.

Vietnam and Japan promote people-to-people diplomacy

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man of Vietnam met with Ken Matsuzawa, president of the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) of Japan, in Tokyo on December 5 to discuss the promotion of people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries.

Man, who is on an official visit to Japan, thanked FEC for its positive contributions to cooperation in all areas between Vietnam and Japan in recent years, from politics, defense, security to economics, investment, trade, tourism, science - technology, education - training, and people-to-people exchanges.

He noted the contributions of nearly 600,000 Vietnamese expatriates living in Japan and over 23,000 Japanese residing in Vietnam to the socio-economic development of both sides, saying these communities also serve as bridges fostering deeper friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

He appreciated FEC’s efforts in organizing economic, educational, and cultural missions to Vietnam, promoting investment and trade, and supporting activities of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.

The top legislator expressed his hope that FEC and Matsuzawa personally would continue to promote Vietnam-Japan relations, particularly by enhancing economic and investment ties. He encouraged Japanese enterprises to expand into new fields such as semiconductors, digital transformation, and green transformation in Vietnam.

Highlighting cultural similarities between the two countries, Man suggested that FEC continue fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperate in organizing events in both countries so as to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.

Matsuzawa for his part commended Vietnam’s significant role and position in politics, economics, and diplomacy both regionally and internationally.

Talking about FEC’s activities, Matsuzawa revealed that in March 2025 FEC would organize an economic mission to Vietnam, including member enterprises specializing in IT, economics, and energy.

He also praised Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu for his active and enthusiastic efforts in fostering bilateral relations.

Matsuzawa expressed his belief that Man’s visit would be a success, further deepening and strengthening the ties between Japan and Vietnam.

Historic fourth place for Vietnam at World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships

Vietnam has ended the World Taekwondo Poomsae (performance) Championships 2024 in fourth place, the highest ever position in the country’s history.

At the World Taekwondo Poomsae (performance) Championships 2024 taking place in Hong Kong (China) from November 30 to December 4, Vietnam won three gold, two silver, and five bronze medals, sharing fourth place with Iran.

The Republic of Korea took the lead with a total of 17 gold medals, followed by the United States and Taiwan (China) with eight and four gold medals, respectively.

Vietnam had sent 40 athletes to the championship hoping to secure silver medals. However, the athletes did better than expected, bringing home three gold medals in the over-17 freestyle mixed team, the U50 female team, and the pair U50 class.

Vietnamese athletes went over eight years of not winning any medal at the tournament, with their previous wins coming back at the global taekwondo championship held in Peru in 2016 when they bagged only two gold medals.

The Hong Kong tournament is the highest level of taekwondo competition in the world outside of the Olympics, featuring a record number of 1,727 athletes from 77 countries and regions. The old record went to the Chinese Taipei edition with 1,274 competitors from 59 delegations in 2018.

Central Highlands localities focus on housing support for low-income families

The Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai and Dak Nong are prioritising efforts to do away with substandard housing, striving to provide impoverished and near-poor households with secure and stable living conditions in 2025.

In response to the nationwide programme on the elimination of makeshift and dilapidated housing by 2025, Gia Lai plans to support the construction and renovation of 8,178 homes across the province.

Accordingly, each household will receive 60 million VND (2,362 USD) to build new homes or 30 million VND for renovations, excluding social welfare policy beneficiaries who are unable to contribute financially. The houses will be built on land free of disputes, with designs following standardised templates, ensuring technical, quality, and cultural appropriateness for the local context.

Meanwhile, Dak Nong has established a 26-member steering committee led by provincial Party Committee Secretary Ngo Thanh Danh to oversee the work and devise strategies to meet the province's goal of removing makeshift housing by December 31, 2025.

As part of the 2021–2025 national programmes on sustainable poverty reduction and socio-economic development in mountainous and ethnic minority-inhabited areas, the province has supported the construction and renovation of nearly 400 houses for disadvantaged families. Dak Nong currently identifies over 500 others in need of such assistance, but progress has been delayed due to various challenges./.

Quang Ninh province targets 20 million tourists in 2025

The northern province of Quang Ninh is estimated to attract 19 million visitors in 2024, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and fully meeting its target.

This figure includes 3.5 million international tourists. Revenues from tourism reach 46.46 trillion VND (more than 1.8 billion USD), representing a 38% rise compared to 2023.

To achieve its goal of welcoming 20 million visitors in 2025, including 4.5 million foreign visitors, the province has prioritised sustainable tourism development. Key strategies include improving service quality, diversifying tourism products, and expanding travel destinations.

In 2024, the province introduced 67 new tourism products, with 38 already launched. Notable additions include Carnaval Ha Long 2024, The Lighthouse Entertainment Complex, Wyndham Garden Sonasea Resort in Van Don, and Angsana Quan Lan Ha Long Bay Hotel. Luxury yacht services and the "Heritage Journey" tour series also drew significant interest.

The province approved 21 new routes for Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay tours, while 29 more products are scheduled to be launched by year-end. Efforts to strengthen ties with international cruise operators and establish direct flights from China and the Republic of Korea to Van Don International Airport have also been prioritised. Indian is a growing market, with notable visits from high-profile groups.

In the coming time, Quang Ninh plans to increase tourism revenue by promoting its iconic attractions such as Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Yen Tu national relic site. The province’s approach includes extensive marketing campaigns, boosting service competitiveness, and targeting both domestic and international markets to solidify its status as a premier tourist destination./.

Cultural exchange helps boost Da Lat- RoK's Chuncheon relationship

A cultural and art exchange between Lam Dong province's Da Lat city and Chuncheon city of the Republic of Korea (RoK)'s Gangwon province took place in the Vietnamese Central Highlands locality on December 4.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Da Lat city People's Committee Dang Quang Tu highlighted that the event was part of activities to mark the 5th anniversary of the twinning relationship between the two localities and in response to the 10th Da Lat Flower Festival from December 5-31.

He went on to say that through the exchange, residents and visitors of Da Lat could have a better understanding of Korean culture and people. Similarly, Koreans would gain more insight into Vietnamese culture as well as local residents.

Rhee Kang Kyun, President of the Chuncheon city Sports Association, affirmed that this event is expected to deepen the cultural and friendship ties between the two nations. He noted that Chuncheon and Da Lat will continue fostering their friendship, contributing to the broader cooperation between the RoK and Vietnam.

The exchange featured captivating performances from both cities, including those by the Chuncheon City Art Troupe, 212 Nation Dance Group, the Vovinam club of Da Lat, and local kindergarten teachers.

Participants showcased a variety of traditional and modern musical performances, martial arts demonstrations like Taekwondo and Vovinam, and interactive exchanges with the audience.

A highlight of the night was a performance by Black dance group, presenting popular K-pop songs beloved by the youth. The group consist of talented students who have won numerous street dance and performance competitions across the RoK.

On the occasion, Chuncheon representatives presented gifts, including computers, books, and school supplies worth 10 million KRW (7,069 USD), to a local elementary school library.

Also on December 4, a painting exhibition opened in Da Lat city, displaying 100 works by children from both cities.

Da Lat and Chuncheon established a friendly relationship in 2016 and a twinning relationship in 2019. Since then, the two cities have held many effective exchanges and cooperation activities./.

Teqball World Championship kicks off in HCM City

The 2024 Teqball World Championship officially kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on December 4.

Jointly held by the municipal 's People’s Committee and the International Teqball Federation (FITEQ), the tournament drew the participation of over 220 athletes, including 135 men and 86 women from 95 countries and territories, competing in five categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. With more than 300 matches scheduled, top contenders include players from Brazil, Argentina, Hungary, Romania, and Spain, who are strong candidates for championship titles.

Nguyen Nam Nhan, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, said the event aims to promote teqball and encourage public engagement in this sport and hoped that the tournament will position Vietnam as a friendly and dynamic destination, boosting domestic and international tourism.

Tran Duy Kham, Director of the Hoa Lu Sports Centre, emphasised that teqball, a sport blending football, sepak takraw, and table tennis, aligns well with the physical and technical characteristics of Vietnamese athletes. Vietnam’s national team is competing on the world stage for the first time, with limited preparation time but high determination to learn and improve.

Notably, Vietnamese athlete Vo Bao Huy, who had trained in Hungary, will compete in all the five categories. He expressed optimism despite tough competition, pledging to deliver thrilling matches for spectators.

Hungarian Consul General Gábor Lehőcz highlighted the championship as a significant global sports event, fostering cultural exchange and showcasing Vietnam’s rising status in international sports.

Teqball, a rapidly growing sport with millions of players worldwide, was recently included in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand and aspires to be part of the Olympics.

The championship runs until December 8, with finals scheduled on December 7-8. Parallel activities include cultural exhibitions, investment promotion conferences, and a vibrant light show with the theme "Hello Vietnam!", among others./.

Thai Binh takes drastic measures against IUU fishing

With a coastline stretching over 50km, the northern province of Thai Binh has implemented a range of robust measures to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The locality's efforts are part of the nation’s push to remove the European Commission's (EC) "yellow card" on Vietnamese seafood and enhance fishermen's understanding and compliance with fishing regulations.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Binh Trong, Deputy Commander of the Diem Dien Port Border Guard Station, said that hist unit is monitoring over 300 fishing vessels and more than 1,200 labourers operating at sea. As part of a peak campaign against IUU fishing launched earlier this year, the border guards have organised diverse communications campaigns to raise awareness of fishermen and vessel owners and require them to sign commitments to comply with such regulations.

The station has also deployed personnel and resources to establish checkpoints at river mouths, conducting regular inspections of vessels entering and leaving ports. Vessels without proper documentation are strictly barred from departing, while those attempting to evade inspections face legal penalties. These comprehensive measures have led to notable improvements in fishermen's awareness and actions against IUU fishing.

In addition to the awareness work, Thai Binh has strengthened monitoring mechanisms. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has directed the Fisheries Sub-department to form a dedicated team of seven officers who work around the clock to monitor fishing vessels. This team is tasked with detecting vessels that lose connection or cross maritime boundaries, asking vessel owners to ensure compliance with tracking regulations and operate within permitted fishing zones. They also collaborate with functional forces to investigate and handle violations.

According to Hoang Minh Giang, Director of the Fisheries Sub-department, 700 fishing vessels in the province, including 166 measuring at least 15 meters in length, have been registered and updated in the national fishing vessel database (VnFishbase). All of them are equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and certified for food safety compliance. As a result, no incidents of local fishing vessels crossing maritime boundaries or infringing on foreign waters have been reported so far.

This year, the force, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, has continued to manage vessel registration, inspection, and licensing. Efforts to raise public awareness of territorial sovereignty and against IUU fishing have also been intensified through mobile communication campaigns at fishing ports and on vessels.

As part of enforcement actions, authorities have identified and penalised 54 violations involving 55 vessels and 61 individuals, imposing fines amounting to over 600 million VND (23,610 USD), Giang said.

Looking ahead, Thai Binh is determined to address existing challenges and contribute to the nationwide effort to remove the EC’s "yellow card", he said, adding that the province will conduct a thorough review in this regard, focusing on monitoring and controlling fishing activities and seafood production.

The province aims to eliminate "three-nos" vessels—those lacking registration, inspection, and fishing licenses—by updating the VnFishbase database and ensuring all fishing activities are monitored through the VMS by December 31, 2024. A list of non-compliant vessels and those at high risk of violations will be handed over to relevant authorities for monitoring and management.

With these proactive measures, Thai Binh is committed to strengthening compliance with fishing regulations and ensuring sustainable fishing practices in the province./.

Vietnam acts to train workforce for future of technology

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has signed the Prime Minister’s directive on accelerating workforce training for semiconductor industry and core digital technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and blockchain.

The directive, sent to ministries, ministry-level and Government agencies, and authorities of provinces and centrally-run cities, aligns with the PM’s strategic vision laid out on September 21, which includes a semiconductor industry development strategy until 2030 with a vision to 2050 and a programme on workforce development for semiconductor industry, also stretching to 2030 with orientations to 2050.

The PM asked the Ministry of Education and Training to take immediate action by building and issuing standardised curricula for the semiconductor sector within the first quarter next year; and reviewing and proposing adjustments and supplements to mechanisms and policies on tuition fee waiver and reduction, and scholarships for those pursuing studies in these fields, with the deadline set for the fourth quarter of next year.

It was required to submit quality workforce training schemes for approval, build centres to nurture talents in the 4.0 technology field, and facilitate international cooperation in training and the exchange of experts and lecturers at tertiary establishments.

Universities nationwide were urged to consider building schools, faculties or departments dedicated to semiconductor and core digital technologies by the end of this quarter.

Authorities of provinces and centrally-run cities were tasked with drafting specific plans and roadmaps for workforce development through 2030, tailored to their conditions. They must ensure that resources are pooled effectively, funding is allocated appropriately, and a conducive environment for technology transfer between training establishments and enteprises is fostered.

Other specific tasks were also assigned to relevant ministries to ensure smooth implementation./.

Vietnam, Switzerland look towards stronger links for sustainable future

The Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF) held a meeting in Geneva on December 4 to review its activities in 2024 and outline a programme for 2025 to further strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

Attracting over 300 delegates from Switzerland, Vietnam, and countries in Europe and ASEAN, SVEF 2024 marked a significant milestone in the forum's journey, demonstrating its role in fostering collaboration.

SVEF has also played a pivotal role in fostering relations with local authorities, hosting delegations from Can Tho, Vinh Long, and Cao Bang of Vietnam to explore investment opportunities. A workshop for Nam Dinh province alone stood out as another highlight, particularly with a recent visit by investors to the Vietnamese northern locality.

These initiatives underscored SVEF's commitment to intensifying regional engagement, positioning it as a core focus and mission for the future.

Building on this success, upcoming events will be organised at Switzerland's University of Zurich in June, and in Vietnam’s central Da Nang city in November, bringing together leaders from governments, businesses, and academia to promote innovation, sustainable development, and shared growth.

The forum will focus on key areas such as technology, education, finance, and manufacturing. Many memoranda of understanding to promote investment and collaboration will be inked at the event. It will prioritise sustainability, digital transformation, and workforce development in 2025.

According to SVEF Chairman Philip Rösler, SVEF 2025 is not just an event but a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and shared prosperity.

The forum’s vision for 2025 is to expand its impacts, enabling participants to explore opportunities not only between Switzerland and Vietnam but also in the ASEAN region and beyond, he said.

SVEF Vice Chairman Nguyen Ho Nam stated that Vietnam offers many opportunities for international businesses due to its rapid economic growth and strategic position.

Sectors such as technology, green growth, and education align perfectly with Vietnam's strategic priorities, Nam said, adding that by facilitating appropriate partnerships through SVEF, Swiss businesses and organisations can fully capitalise on these opportunities.

Meanwhile, SVEF Vice Chairman Ivo Sieber highlighted the synergy between the strengths of Switzerland and Vietnam, saying that Switzerland's expertise in innovation and sustainable development complements Vietnam's dynamic growth.

SVEF 2025 is expected to provide a unique platform for Swiss stakeholders to connect with Vietnam's dynamic economy and access other rapidly growing markets in ASEAN, he noted./.

Vietnam – ideal model for ensuring workers’ rights: Better Work Programme Chief

Vietnam serves as an ideal model for other nations to learn from in ensuring employees’ rights and promoting employers’ benefits, said Chief of Better Work Programme Roopa Nair during a meeting with Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs Le Van Thanh in Hanoi on December 4.

Talking to his guest, Thanh commended the programme’s effectiveness and support in creating good examples of compliance with international labour standards and enforcing labour laws, particularly given Vietnam’s ongoing implementation of new-generation free trade agreements.

He said Better Work has helped connect the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA) to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in comprehensive evaluations of labour law compliance within enterprises, serving sustainable business development.

Additionally, the programme has contributed to boosting the competitiveness of local garment-textile and footwear exporters, as well as to ensuring better working conditions, safeguarding labourer's rights, and improving adherence to regulations.

Thanh expressed his hope that Better Work would assist Vietnam in raising labourers’ awareness of common standards related to them, while assisting the country in other fields, such as green economy and circular economy, for greater socio-economic changes.

Nair said the Better Work Vietnam’s 15th anniversary offers an opportunity for both sides to review their collaborative journey. She also lauded MoLISA’s feedback to help the programme plan its operation in the time to come and develop unified sets of tools, evaluation standards, and codes of conduct that could be universally applied by employers and enterprises./.

An Giang mobilises resources to do away with substandard houses

The Mekong Delta province of An Giang on December 4 launched a campaign to mobilise resources for the settlement of the temporary and dilapidated houses, making contributions to the local sustainable socio-economic development.

At the launch ceremony, Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Ho Van Mung called on agencies, organisations and community to contribute to the work, striving to complete it by the end of 2025.

Over the past time, the province has carried out harmonious and effective policies for people who rendered service to the nation as well as those on poverty alleviation. The “for the poor – no one left behind” campaign has particularly received enthusiastic response from the local people, helping improve the spiritual and material life and ensure social welfare.

Mung highlighted that despite robust economic growth in 2024, the province is facing formidable social challenges, with more than 24,000 poor and near-poor households, more than 3,700 families living in substandard houses, and nearly 24,400 impoverished ones need support for the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) Holiday./.

Vietnam, Cuba share experience in improving information production

A delegation of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Deputy General Director Nguyen Tuan Hung held a working session with representatives from Granma, the official daily newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuban Central Committee headed by Deputy Editor-in-Chief Oscar Alberto Sanchez Serra in Hanoi on December 3.

He highlighted that the VNA is one of six key media agencies in Vietnam, tasked with delivering the country’s official information to domestic and international press systems. It has 63 representative offices in all provinces and cities nationwide and 30 others overseas.

For many years, the VNA has maintained close and reliable partnerships with two Cuban media agencies, namely Prensa Latina and the Cuban News Agency (ACN). Its representative office in Havana has consistently fulfilled its mission of external information, promoting Vietnam’s image to the Cuban people, and providing accurate and timely news about Cuba and the region.

According to Hung, his agency has recently promoted digital transformation in its news production and dissemination processes. It has established a steering committee for digital transformation and developed annual plans for this task. It is focusing on creating highly interactive, multimedia products tailored for digital journalism and spread across multiple platforms, effectively delivering the messages of the Party and State leaders as well as key national priorities in the new era. Notably, the VNA is also implementing new AI-powered services to enhance the quality and efficiency of its information activities.

For his part, Alberto Sanchez Serra said that Granma was founded on October 3, 1965, based on the merger of two revolutionary newspapers - Hoy and Revolución.

As the official voice of the Communist Party of Cuba, Granma currently employs around 210 staff, reporters, and workers, 70% of whom are under 35. The newspaper has correspondents in every province and city across Cuba. Recently, it has focused on developing a converged newsroom model and modern journalism practices. With goals to combat fake news, persuade the public, and continually improve, Granma aims to expand its reach on social media and other information platforms to counteract disinformation and wrong allegations from hostile forces.

The Granma delegation expressed their desire to learn with and share experience with the VNA in digital transformation, particularly in modernising news production and distribution systems and applying AI technologies to improve information production efficiency.

As part of the visit, they also toured several VNA units to explore their operational models./.

Embassy urges Vietnamese citizens in RoK to comply with local law

The Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea (RoK) has asked Vietnamese citizens to respect local laws, customs, and especially immigration regulations once entering the East Asian nation to avoid negatively impacting Vietnam’s image and the good relationship between the two countries.

The request was made after the RoK’s Jeju Immigration Office and Jeju Tourism Organisation on December 3 confirmed that 38 Vietnamese tourists who came to the island under visa exemption failed to board the flight back home as scheduled.

Those who did not return were among 80 Vietnamese holidaymakers from Nha Trang city, Vietnam’s south-central province of Khanh Hoa, who boarded the November 14 flight to the RoK for their Jeju visit.

Korean authorities are extracting images from the CCTV system to locate the group of 38 Vietnamese tourists after they lost contact and disappeared at the last scheduled sightseeing spot on November 17. These people will be considered residing illegally after December 14, when the 30-day visa-free stay ends.

In order to promote tourism development, Jeju has operated a visa-free programme, allowing foreigners from 64 countries, including Vietnam, to stay for up to 30 days without a visa.

The embassy told the Vietnam news Agency that it had learned about the incident through the press and reported it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities.

Currently, the embassy is closely coordinating with relevant agencies of the RoK and keeping a close watch on the case and is ready to cooperate with the agencies in the spirit of the Vietnam-RoK strategic partnership./.

Miss Culture International Friendship 2025 launched

The Miss Culture International Friendship 2025 beauty pageant running as part of the annual Xuân Quê Hương (Homeland Spring) programme for overseas Vietnamese has been launched.

Vietnamese women who are working and living in Japan and other countries or territories worldwide are eligible to enter the contest. 

The top 26 finalists will compete in numerous segments such as the evening gown and talents, as well as taking part in charity projects for the community and a Q&A section.

The contest’s overall prizes will cost up to VND3 billion, with the winner receiving a crown and a cash prize totaling VND100 million.

The winning beauty queen will take part in three charity projects across three regions - Asia, Europe, and Australia.

The beauty pageant represents the highlight of the Xuân Quê Hương (Homeland Spring) programme and is organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs on the occasion of the Lunar New Year.

The function will take place on January 4 - 5 in Saitama Prefecture and in Fukuoka from January 10 to 12.

There will be several booths displaying handicraft items, consumption goods, and introducing Vietnamese culture and tourism to international friends. Many Vietnamese artists will also take part in the event.

VNA/VNN/VNS/VOV